Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown pastry filled with savory, seasoned beef and gooey, melted cheese—pure comfort food perfection! Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a deliciously satisfying handheld treat that’s loved across Latin America, Spain, and beyond. Whether baked or fried, these half-moon pockets of goodness are packed with rich flavors and irresistible textures.
Empanadas are the ultimate grab-and-go meal, perfect for busy weekdays, picnics, or as a fun appetizer for gatherings. The combination of spiced beef and melted cheese wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust makes them completely addictive. One bite, and you’ll understand why they’re a favorite in so many cultures.
Why You’ll Love These Beef and Cheese Empanadas
There’s something magical about homemade empanadas. Maybe it’s the contrast between the crispy crust and the juicy, cheesy filling. Or maybe it’s the fact that they’re so versatile and easy to customize. No matter the reason, these beef and cheese empanadas will have you coming back for more.
First, let’s talk about the flavor explosion. The beef filling is seasoned with garlic, onions, and warm spices like cumin and paprika, giving it a deep, rich taste. Then, there’s the cheese factor—melty, gooey cheese blended with the seasoned meat creates the perfect filling that oozes with every bite.
Another reason to love these empanadas? They’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, meal prep, or a party appetizer, they fit the bill. You can prepare a big batch and freeze them for later, ensuring you always have a delicious snack ready to go.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
Ingredients for Beef and Cheese Empanadas
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
For Assembly and Cooking:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Oil (for frying, if frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use your hands or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, water, and vinegar. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a couple of minutes until smooth, then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Season the beef with cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and oregano, then stir in the tomato sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool. Once cooled, mix in the shredded cheese.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Using a round cutter (or a bowl), cut out 4-5 inch circles.
Place a spoonful of beef and cheese filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.
Step 4: Cook the Empanadas
Option 1: Baking
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a lined baking sheet and brush the tops with egg wash. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Option 2: Frying
Heat about 1 inch of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the empanadas in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, like salsa, chimichurri, or sour cream!
Ingredient Background
Every empanada tells a story, and its ingredients are what make it shine. From the rich, flaky pastry to the seasoned beef and melted cheese, each component plays an essential role in creating that perfect bite.
Let’s start with the empanada dough. While store-bought dough is a convenient option, homemade dough offers a buttery, flaky texture that takes these empanadas to the next level. Made with simple pantry staples like flour, butter, egg, and vinegar, this dough is tender yet sturdy, holding the filling beautifully while crisping up during baking or frying.
Next, the beef filling is packed with layers of flavor. Ground beef provides a hearty, protein-rich base, while a mix of garlic, onions, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano adds depth and warmth. The tomato sauce binds everything together, ensuring the beef stays juicy and flavorful inside the pastry.
Finally, we can’t forget the cheese—the ingredient that adds an irresistible gooeyness to every bite. Mozzarella and cheddar are popular choices because they melt beautifully, but you can also use Oaxaca or Monterey Jack for an extra creamy texture. The cheese not only enhances the flavor but also balances the richness of the beef.
Technique Tips for Beef and Cheese Empanadas
While making empanadas is simple, a few key techniques can help you achieve restaurant-quality results every time.
One of the most crucial steps is chilling the dough before rolling it out. Cold dough is much easier to work with, prevents sticking, and creates that flaky, buttery texture we all love. If the dough becomes too soft while shaping the empanadas, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Another tip is to seal the empanadas properly to prevent the filling from leaking out while cooking. After folding the dough over the filling, use a fork to press and crimp the edges firmly. For an extra-strong seal, brush a little water or egg wash along the edges before sealing.
Lastly, if you’re frying your empanadas, make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before adding them to the pan. If the oil is too cold, the empanadas will absorb excess oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outsides will brown too quickly while the insides remain undercooked.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
There are so many creative ways to enjoy and serve Beef and Cheese Empanadas beyond the traditional half-moon shape.
For a mini version, try making bite-sized empanadas using a 2-3 inch cutter. These make the perfect appetizer for parties or game nights. Serve them with a trio of dipping sauces, like spicy salsa, chimichurri, and garlic aioli, to impress your guests.
Another fun idea is to turn these empanadas into a deconstructed dish by making an empanada-inspired bowl. Instead of wrapping the filling in dough, serve the seasoned beef over crispy tostadas, rice, or a fresh salad, drizzled with melted cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
If you love cheesy empanadas, try adding an extra layer of cheese on top and baking them open-faced like a mini stuffed pizza. This creates a crispy, cheesy topping while keeping the inside rich and gooey.
Freezing and Storing Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Empanadas are perfect for meal prep because they freeze beautifully, making it easy to have a quick meal or snack ready whenever you need it.
If you have leftovers, store cooked empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also heat them in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for extra crunch.
For freezing, arrange uncooked empanadas in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To cook from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or fry them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. No need to thaw!
Healthier Twist Ideas
Want to enjoy Beef and Cheese Empanadas in a healthier way? Here are some smart swaps to lighten them up while keeping the flavor intact.
For a lighter dough, replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds fiber and reduces the overall fat content while maintaining a delicious texture.
Instead of frying, try baking or air-frying your empanadas. Brushing them with a little olive oil before baking helps achieve a crispy, golden exterior without the extra oil from deep frying. An air fryer can also create the perfect crunch while using significantly less oil.
If you want a lower-carb version, swap out the traditional dough for thinly sliced zucchini rounds or bell peppers as the “wrapper.” You can fill them with the beef and cheese mixture, roll them up, and bake for a low-carb, empanada-inspired snack.
Serving Suggestions for Events
Empanadas are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, planning a picnic, or looking for a fun family dinner idea.
For a game day appetizer, serve mini empanadas alongside a variety of dips like guacamole, salsa verde, or a creamy chipotle sauce. Arrange them on a platter for an easy-to-grab snack that will keep guests coming back for more.
If you’re planning a picnic or potluck, empanadas are a great choice because they’re portable and taste great at room temperature. Pack them in a basket with a side of fresh fruit and a refreshing drink for the perfect outdoor meal.
For a family dinner, create a DIY empanada night where everyone can choose their own fillings. Set up a toppings bar with cheese, seasoned beef, grilled chicken, and veggies so everyone can customize their own empanada before baking. It’s a fun and interactive way to bring the family together around food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! You can use pre-made empanada dough, puff pastry, or even refrigerated pie dough for a shortcut.
2. Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef for black beans, mushrooms, or lentils for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
3. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the edges tightly by crimping with a fork and avoid overfilling the empanadas.
4. What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese all work well for a melty filling.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month.
6. What’s the best way to reheat empanadas?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or reheat in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
7. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Try adding corn, olives, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
8. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! Baking at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes will give you a crispy, golden empanada.
9. How do I keep fried empanadas crispy?
Let them cool on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent them from getting soggy.
10. What dips pair well with empanadas?
Chimichurri, spicy salsa, sour cream, or garlic aioli are all great options!
Conclusion
Beef and Cheese Empanadas are the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, they’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.
Try this recipe today and bring the flavors of Latin America to your kitchen!
Welcome to Cozy dishes! I’m Louise, and this is your warm, welcoming kitchen corner filled with feel-good recipes that bring comfort to everyday moments. Whether you’re making a simple dinner or baking something sweet, you’ll find cozy, approachable dishes made with heart.
